Monday, 31 December 2012

2013 - Are we trended out?

I have recently came across an article which discusses the fashion trends of 2013...well it appears that there is nothing which is going to be particularly trendy. Anything goes in 2013, whether you prefer to dress feminine or androgynous, minis or maxis, silky or tough, lady-like or urban, the list goes on!

“The problem with trends is that we are trended out. ... We are so exhausted by overload that we just don't have a way to process anything new,” says trend analyst Marian Salzman, CEO of ad agency Havas PR North America. This is one of the consequences of fast fashion and how it has sped up dramatically, particularly over the past few years. The production chains of some high-street stores can take as little as two weeks from designing garments to them being ready on the shop floor. This then chases established designers of RTW clothing to become more exclusive than the high-street, as the exclusivity of their trends is partly what contributes towards the higher pricing. Many RTW designers now have developed 'resort' collections inbetween the main seasons on the fashion calender for this very reason.

It may be that the advice of many fashion figures, including Gok Wan who promotes dressing for your body shape and inspires people to dress differently by customizing clothes from the high-street, is eventually starting to influence the way that people buy and dress themselves. Indeed many fashion magazines and blogs are taking an interest in street-style and people dressing in ways which reflect their tastes and personalities rather than the latest trends. People are aware that it is not in their best interest to force themselves into the latest trend if it doesn't suit their taste or is unflattering for their body shape. Likewise, 'It was a stretch for a designer long respected for career clothes to tout hot pants', and this change in attitude could actually give designers more freedom in their collections rather than restrict it.

The internet provides a much greater wealth of options than the highstreet, which along with convenience, may be partly the reason why online sales in fashion have increased 152% over the past five years (reported 2011 by Mintel). It is now easier than ever for shoppers to buy clothing which is unique, due to online retailers being able to showcase more stock than highstreet stores, and sites such as 'Ebay' selling second-hand and 'Etsy' selling vintage and hand-made pieces which are completely individual.

If fashion items have more longevity in the trend stakes and are tailored to the individual depending on taste, style and fit, the clothes which people buy in the near future will end up being more sustainable, as they will be kept and worn for longer, slowing down the production chain and by the time the wearer is eventually bored of the item, it will hopefully go back into circulation via Ebay or a swap shop rather than being dumped into landfill!

About Me

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am currently studying my BA in Creative Practice at Newcastle College, and will be setting up an accessories business, where I will be upcycling materials and products will be handmade in the U.K.